Adam Black, better known as Fadam DTLR, pulled up to The Spadez Table for a no-holds-barred conversation about celebrity scandals, music culture, and the hustle of media interviews—all while keeping the spades game alive. The media personality opened up about his industry come-up, his unforgettable Nicki Minaj moment, and why Joe Budden holds a special place in his heart.
From Harlem to Media Hustle: Fadam’s Journey
Hailing from Harlem, Fadam’s deep-rooted family history includes a surprising connection—his grandfather worked in the building where Malcolm X was assassinated. But his own journey took a different path, landing him in Baltimore, where he faced homelessness at 19. His big break in media came through DJ Red at WPGC 95.5, and during the pandemic, he capitalized on a slow industry, securing his spot in the game.
Nicki Minaj & The Shoe Deal That Almost Was
Fadam didn’t hold back when recalling a major career-altering moment—his interaction with Nicki Minaj. Though details remained vague, he hinted that the incident played a role in a sneaker collaboration falling through, proving just how unpredictable the industry can be.
Why Joe Budden is His GOAT
Despite Budden’s polarizing reputation, Fadam credited the rapper-turned-podcaster for helping him through tough times. He also shared behind-the-scenes stories from the music world, giving fans a glimpse into the highs and lows of industry networking.
Spades, Controversies & Cultural Debates
The episode wasn’t just about deep industry talk—between hands of spades, the crew weighed in on the latest celebrity controversies, upcoming boxing matches, and even debated the masculinity of smoking hookah. The conversation bounced from generational shifts to NBA conspiracies, with some arguing that LeBron James “cursed” the Knicks.
The Realities of Content Creation
Fadam kept it real about the struggles of media work, venting about artists who expect interviews without bringing anything to the table. While he enjoys interviewing legends, he admitted that keeping the content pipeline flowing sometimes means dealing with guests who aren’t as engaging.
Bringing Spades to the Culture
As the cards flew, the idea of bringing spades to different communities through a DTLR collaboration surfaced. The discussion highlighted the game’s cultural significance and the importance of passing it down to younger generations.
